Explainer: What is Long COVID?
Source: Viet Fact Check
Created in partnership with We Can Do This. #WeCanDoThis
“Long COVID”, also known as “post-COVID-19 condition” or “chronic COVID,” refers to the new, returning, or ongoing symptoms that some people experience for at least three months after they have been infected with COVID-19. These symptoms can range in severity, and commonly include fatigue, breathlessness, and cognitive dysfunction or “mental fog,” according to the World Health Organization.
Most people who become infected with COVID-19 fully recover within a few days to a few weeks. But those with Long COVID experience symptoms that last for three months or more, creating health problems that may re-emerge over different periods of time.
As of July 2021, the U.S. determined that Long COVID could be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if it affects one or more major life activities.
How Common is Long COVID?
The most recent survey from the National Center for Health Statistics reported that 17.6% of U.S. adults — or almost one in five — have experienced Long COVID symptoms as of February 2024, a near 3% rise from the same study conducted last October.
A Harvard Medical School study from 2023 found that U.S. COVID “long haulers” were more likely to be older and female, and that the leading risk factors included high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, obesity, diabetes, and depression.
The CDC also states that people who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 are less likely to report Long COVID compared to those who are unvaccinated.
What are the Symptoms of Long COVID?
Some of the most common symptoms according to the CDC include:
Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life
Symptoms that worsen after exerting physical or mental effort (also referred to as “post-exertional malaise”)
Fever
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Cough
Chest pain
Heart palpitations
Difficulty thinking or concentrating (also known as “brain fog”)
Headache
Sleep problems
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Pins-and-needles feelings
Changes in smell or taste
Depression or anxiety
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Joint or muscle pain
Rash
Changes in menstrual cycles
Additionally, any person who experiences a severe illness or hospitalization may develop post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), the symptoms of which echo that of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A New York Medical College study from 2023 found substantial psychiatric impact among Long COVID patients, with one in three suffering clinically significant anxiety and nearly a third meeting the criteria for PTSD.
A newer study by the New England Journal of Medicine also suggests that Long COVID could lead to measurable cognitive decline, specifically in the ability to remember, reason and plan.
How can I protect myself from long COVID?
Avoid getting infected. Every infection brings a risk of developing Long COVID symptoms. The most effective way to avoid getting infected is to stay up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccines and updated doses. Other suggested measures include:
Improving ventilation
Wearing a high-quality mask when in a crowded, enclosed, or poorly ventilated area
Getting tested for COVID-19 if needed
Seeking treatment for COVID-19 if eligible
Keeping a distance from others if they have a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 illness
Practicing respiratory etiquette, such as coughing and sneezing into your elbow instead of your hands
Washing your hands regularly
To find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster near you, go to https://www.vaccines.gov/.
To volunteer for a clinical trial, go to https://www.researchmatch.org/.
